Chapter 257: Tremors Across the Land! The Regret of the Xingluo Empress!
"Let's go."
As Dai Yao gazed at the city prepared with the highest honors for his induction into Spirit Hall, he felt a surge of respect from them. Turning around, he looked at the two women behind him and couldn't help but be awestruck. Both Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong were dressed in red robes, as beautiful as goddesses, their garments reserved only for high-ranking Red-Robed Bishops of Spirit Hall.
Zhu Zhuqing had exchanged her usual black, fitted outfit for a loose, crimson robe. Yet, her striking figure was still evident. The robes, made from rare, luxurious materials, not only provided comfort but also served as a basic defensive soul tool capable of withstanding attacks from a Soul Elder. The intricate golden embroidery on the robes added a touch of nobility and mystique to the two women.
With a soft smile, the two women looked at the impressive sight of Dai Yao, their eyes brimming with admiration. They followed him as they walked slowly toward the Spirit Hall.
As the inn's door opened, a flood of sunlight poured in. Blinking against the brightness, Dai Yao's eyes gradually adjusted to the scene, which left him speechless.
"What…?" he murmured, glancing at two Red-Robed Bishops who returned his greeting with a respectful smile. As he looked down the street, his pupils shrank in amazement. On either side of the main street, spaced at intervals, stood Red-Robed Bishops in solemn silence, forming a long line of crimson that extended all the way up the mountain to the Spirit Hall.
Each of these bishops was a renowned Soul Saint or Soul Douluo, revered by many. Yet today, they all stood quietly, honoring Dai Yao's entry into Spirit Hall. He felt a deep sense of respect, and with genuine courtesy, he acknowledged each one. As he passed each bishop, they fell in line behind him, creating a procession of red-robed figures that followed him up the steps.
By the time Dai Yao set foot on the first step leading to the Spirit Hall, hundreds of Red-Robed Bishops had joined behind him, forming a silent sea of crimson. The only sound that broke the silence was the echo of their footsteps.
At the entrance of the Spirit Hall, as Dai Yao's figure emerged on the stone steps, both Ferdinand and Salas broke into smiles of pride. These two were not just any guides—they were two of the four Platinum Bishops of Spirit Hall, second only to the highest authority. This task was not something they would typically undertake, but given their personal connection with Dai Yao, they volunteered to lead him.
Watching Dai Yao approach, the two elderly men's faces lit up with the satisfaction of elders watching a young man they had guided fulfill his potential.
"Ferdinand, Grandpa Salas," Dai Yao said respectfully. Had it not been for these two, he wouldn't have come this far. Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong also bowed deeply.
Ferdinand and Salas nodded and then directed their attention to the Red-Robed Bishops behind them. In a loud voice, Ferdinand commanded, "Red-Robed Bishops, remain here!"
The crowd of bishops, powerful as they were, obeyed without hesitation, knowing that those awaiting inside the hall commanded an even higher authority.
"Come with us," Ferdinand said to Dai Yao with a welcoming smile.
With the two bishops leading, the heavy stone doors of the Spirit Hall opened, revealing the grand hall's majestic interior. Once inside, Dai Yao was instantly struck by the magnificence of the hall. His gaze swept over the hall until it inevitably landed on the powerful figures assembled at the far end.
Lined along both sides were nearly fifty Soul Douluo, each exuding an overwhelming aura of power. Seeing the three of them enter, the Douluo greeted them with warm smiles. Dai Yao nodded respectfully, noting their strength with awe. He knew this was not the full strength of Spirit Hall; there were surely more powerful figures in reserve.
The sheer power gathered here was staggering. Yet he couldn't help but recall that despite all this, Spirit Hall would ultimately fall to Tang San. It was a stark reminder of how fate had tilted the scales for Tang San, almost unfairly so.
He mentally noted each Soul Douluo's face and then directed his gaze to the figures closest to the Papal Throne. On the right stood the six Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall, while on the left were the Golden Generation and their Spirit Hall team. The Golden Generation members, with potential to become Titled Douluo and even Super Douluo, were positioned higher than the Soul Douluo in acknowledgment of their potential.
Surrounded by so many powerful figures, Dai Yao felt a twinge of nervousness, his footsteps growing heavier. Sensing the tension in the two women behind him, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and exhaled slowly, gathering his composure.
Opening his eyes, a determined light shone within. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Dai Yao, here to pay respects to all esteemed elders and to the revered Pope!"
His voice rang out clear and firm in the grand hall, causing several of the gathered figures to raise an eyebrow. They hadn't expected him to maintain his poise so well under such pressure. Dai Yao was proving to be more than just talent; he had the fortitude to match.
Observing his steady bearing, Bibi Dong nodded slightly, approving of his demeanor. "Composed and confident—good," she thought to herself.
She had plans to place Dai Yao in a high position in Spirit Hall, second only to her own. Such a role required a resilient character. Today's display of respect was not just about welcoming him; it was also a test, one that Dai Yao had passed with grace.
The ceremony proceeded step by step, with Dai Yao kneeling before Bibi Dong and pledging his loyalty to Spirit Hall, his voice firm as he spoke the words of the vow.
"... I pledge to uphold the honor of the angels with my blade!"
At the words "honor of the angels," Bibi Dong's expression momentarily darkened. Dai Yao noted the flicker of irritation, a reminder of her hatred for the Angel Clan.
When the ceremony concluded, Bibi Dong lifted him to his feet with a gentle surge of power. In a graceful motion, she raised her staff, and three finely crafted purple medals floated into the air. Carefully, she fastened one on each of the three, her gaze resting on them with evident pride. Then she turned and declared to the assembly:
"From this day forward, Dai Yao, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong are officially members of Spirit Hall. I bestow upon them the Purple Emblem, granting them the same honors as the Golden Generation!"
Her voice was clear and resonant, carrying throughout the city. At her words, the grand bells of Spirit Hall tolled seven times, their solemn tones resounding across the city.
In the Hall of Worship, a man with long golden hair stood motionless, gazing at the towering statue of an angel. As the final bell's echo faded, he closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.
"Bibi Dong has gained three future prodigies…Xue'er, your burden has only grown heavier. If things continue this way, our Angel Clan…"
He clenched his fists, frustration evident. "Xunji, you truly made a grave mistake… I wonder if Serpent Lance and Porcupinefish could sway Dai Yao to our side…"
News of Dai Yao's induction into Spirit Hall spread like wildfire across the continent, eliciting varied reactions from the two empires. Some were shocked, others nodded knowingly, while still others reacted with outrage. The entire continent buzzed with a subtle yet undeniable tension.
In a forest outside Holy Soul Village, under a waterfall, Tang San was training with a large hammer. Hearing the news, his pupils contracted in shock, and his grip faltered, causing him to fall into the pool below. Emerging from the water, he fixed a piercing gaze on the disheveled man who had brought him the news.
It was none other than Tang San's father, Tang Hao.
Sensing the deep-seated hatred in Tang San's gaze, Tang Hao sighed. Now that Dai Yao had joined Spirit Hall, he would be heavily guarded at all times, making it even harder to find an opportunity to kill him. With a resigned tone, Tang Hao said, "Xiao San, a single setback doesn't mean anything. Your twin spirits are your true strength, and when you reach Titled Douluo, they will fully reveal their power."
"When that time comes, no matter how gifted Dai Yao is, he'll never be able to match you."
Tang San gritted his teeth, remembering all the times Dai Yao had defeated him. He spat out bitterly, "Father, as long as Dai Yao lives, Xiao Wu and I will never find peace. I need to grow stronger, to gain the power to defeat him—even before reaching Titled Douluo."
"Only then can I protect Xiao Wu."
After Tang Hao had rescued him from Spirit Hall, he had told him everything—the story of his mother and the mortal hatred between him and Spirit Hall. And now, Dai Yao was tied to that hatred as well. Spirit Hall had taken his mother, and now they threatened to take Xiao Wu from him.
Tang Hao fell silent for a moment, then, in a serious tone, he added, "If you wish to gain the strength to defeat Dai Yao before reaching Titled Douluo, I have a method. After you master the eighty-first strike, I'll take you somewhere."
Tang San's eyes lit up with excitement, but as he remembered that he had only mastered fifty strikes so far, with thirty-one more to go, his excitement waned. Yet, the prospect of having a chance to defeat Dai Yao rekindled his determination.
"Thank you, Father," he said, then dived back into the waterfall's torrent.
His enemy would not wait for him to grow at a leisurely pace; he had to seize every moment to grow stronger and exact his revenge on Spirit Hall, Dai Yao, and even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan…
If it hadn't been for Ning Rongrong, their Seven-in-One Spirit Fusion skill would never have failed; if not for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, his father's strike would have taken Dai Yao's life!
But for now, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was still buying his hidden weapons, so it wasn't wise to sever ties with them just yet. After all, he still needed their money.
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan… your end will come, but not before you serve your purpose a little longer," Tang San thought bitterly.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Ning Fengzhi closed the letter he had been reading and handed it to Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo beside him, both of whom had been listening intently. With a long sigh, he remarked, "With Spirit Hall placing so much importance on Dai Yao, honoring his induction with such a grand ceremony, he'll undoubtedly serve Spirit Hall wholeheartedly. This only increases the pressure on us going forward."
Bone Douluo pressed his lips together, a trace of pity in his eyes. "Poor Rongrong…"
They knew Ning Rongrong's heart had long been captured by Dai Yao, but now that he had joined Spirit Hall, it seemed the two were fated to part. Imagining her heartbroken, they felt a pang of sadness. After a moment of contemplation, Bone Douluo's eyes brightened with an idea.
"Perhaps we should find some promising young men for Rongrong to meet. She's still young—maybe this is just a first love phase. Who knows, meeting other fine young men might…"
He hadn't finished before Sword Douluo scoffed. "What a ridiculous idea. Do you think anyone could surpass Dai Yao's excellence? Besides, since when has Rongrong been a fickle person?"
Bone Douluo mumbled, "I was only thinking of Rongrong's well-being…"
Just then, Bone Douluo's words trailed off as he turned toward the doorway, his eyes widening when he saw Ning Rongrong standing there. He quickly got up and greeted her with a warm smile. "Rongrong, you're here?"
Ning Rongrong's expression was slightly downcast, but she managed a small smile. "Bone Grandpa, I heard everything."
Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo exchanged helpless glances. Though they were formidable warriors, they had no idea how to console her.
To their surprise, Ning Rongrong didn't seem as heartbroken as expected. She walked straight to her father, Ning Fengzhi, her expression resolute.
"Father, I think it's time I start learning how to manage the family's affairs."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes sparkled as he gently stroked her hair. "Rongrong, are you sure?"
"Yes!" She nodded firmly.
"Very well. Starting today, I will guide you in managing the clan, but you must also continue your cultivation to reach the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile's limit."
"I will place the strictest expectations on you. So, once again, are you certain about this?"
"Yes, I am," she replied without hesitation.
Seeing the determination in her slightly sorrowful eyes, Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly. He knew that Ning Rongrong had made this decision to keep herself occupied, to distract herself from thinking about Dai Yao.
"Poor Rongrong…" he thought quietly.
What he didn't realize was that this was the beginning of a legendary journey for Ning Rongrong, one that would see her rise as one of the most revered leaders on the continent.
Xingluo Palace, the Empress's Chambers.
Inside a grand, jewel-encrusted palace filled with every luxury imaginable, the sound of shattering porcelain echoed repeatedly.
Each crash sent a shiver through the maids standing outside the doors.
"What's wrong with the Empress?" whispered a newly appointed maid. "Surely she hasn't smashed every piece in the entire Spirit Cat Hall?"
Spirit Cat Hall was the Empress's private residence.
An older maid, glancing cautiously around to make sure no one was listening, leaned in and whispered, "You're new, so you wouldn't know. Her Highness's mortal enemy's son not only defeated His Highness, the Crown Prince, but he also joined Spirit Hall, receiving a grand welcome from them!"
The younger maid's eyes widened in shock. "You don't mean the Fourth Prince?"
"Who else could it be?"
Inside the Spirit Cat Hall, a breathtakingly beautiful woman stood amidst a sea of broken porcelain, breathing heavily, her face twisted in rage.
"You wretch! You cursed wretch! You wanted me dead, and now your son does too!" she snarled. "If only I had taken the risk and had him killed back when he was locked in the Cold Palace!"
The news of Xingluo Academy's defeat had reached the Xingluo Empire, sending shockwaves through the royal family. The issue wasn't merely the defeat itself, but the fact that the Crown Prince, Davis, had lost to his estranged younger brother, the Fourth Prince.
Worse yet, thanks to Dai Yao's machinations, the bond between Davis and his consort Zhu Zhuyun was now fractured. The Zhu clan, which had once supported the Crown Prince, now tacitly approved of Zhu Zhuyun's separation from him.
The nobility's faith in Davis had also been shaken, leaving his position as Crown Prince precarious. Without the Zhu family's support, the title was even more unstable. Many of the empire's elites were already scouting for a new successor, effectively abandoning Davis.
Should another prince take the throne, the political upheaval would directly impact her, the Empress. She knew full well that if a prince born to one of the concubines were to ascend, she would be the first to be eliminated.
The thought made her blood run cold, and she clenched her jaw, cursing, "Useless fool! Older than that wretch of a half-brother by so many years, with spirit power even higher—yet you still lost to him!"
But then she remembered Dai Mubai, who she had allowed to flee to the Heaven Dou Empire out of a moment of leniency. Suddenly, she felt a glimmer of hope. Dai Mubai could be her backup plan. If Davis lost his title, she would have another son to pin her hopes on.
A hint of relief softened her expression. Muttering to herself, she said, "With the tournament over, it's time to call Mubai back."
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